'A safe and happy school where children can be the best they can be!'
Welcome from the Headteacher
Welcome to the website for Vallis First School. I feel very privileged to be leading this amazing school in the beautiful market town of Frome. I started as Headteacher in September 2019 and I am very proud of the happy, safe and purposeful atmosphere in the school that is created by our dedicated and skilled staff team and the great learning attitudes of our children. The school feels like a large family and the strong nurturing and inclusive environment ensures that all our children achieve to the very best of their abilities.
There is a lot of information on our website, but if there are any questions or queries, please do not hesitate to telephone or come in as we will be very happy to help. If you are looking for a school for your child, I would be very pleased to show you around our school so you can see and experience for yourself the unique Vallis First School.
Nick Firkins (Headteacher)
Statement of ethos and values
The Curriculum we offer to children at Vallis First School is intended to develop the whole child; socially, emotionally, physically, spiritually and intellectually and to provide the basic skills needed for life and work. We aim to develop enquiring minds and a spirit of curiosity and the skills to work independently and as a team. In particular the curriculum seeks:
- to help pupils gain respect for moral and religious values as well as developing an acceptance and understanding of other races, religions and ways of life.
- to encourage the children to widen their use of language, both written and spoken.
- to help pupils to develop their mathematical skills and to apply those effectively.
- to develop an interest in science, technology and the natural world.
- to encourage children to express themselves through music, drama, a variety of arts and crafts and develop the necessary skills in these areas.
- to impart to children an understanding of history and geography and of the environment in which they live.
- to help children develop physical co-ordination and confidence.
- to teach children a sense of responsibility for themselves and their community, our nation, the environment and value and respect for each other.
- to encourage children’s awareness of how to value and care for themselves and live a healthy lifestyle.
Please see the letter on the Thursday Note tab from Mr Firkins regarding the re-opening of Vallis First School.
Notifications for Parents/Carers – Thursday 21st May 2020
Dear Parents/Carers,
It has been a busy time this week while we begin the planning for re-opening the school to Reception and Year 1 children. Hopefully, you will have had time to read the letter that was posted on the website on Wednesday that gives more information about our plans. It is really important that all the staff are confident in these plans and that they have had a chance to ask questions and give their input into them. I therefore hope you can understand why we have decided to not re-open until the 8th June – we want to get this right for everybody and week commencing the 1st June will be the first opportunity we have had to discuss as a team the way forward.
I am aware that many of you may still have questions but I would ask for you to wait until you have read the further documents that we will put online during the week of 1st June which I hope will answer many of them.
I would like to say that the other year groups have not been forgotten. We are currently working with the middle schools regarding transition of the year 4’s and more information will come out in due course. Mr Summers is currently organising for his KS2 team to call the Year 4 parents and children to discuss some of the questions that have arisen. If Year 4 children could have a think about their friendship groups prior to the phone call, this will help gather some of the information we need. For Years 2 and 3, we are still putting home learning ideas on to the website and this will continue and hopefully it won’t be too long before we can welcome them back into to school too.
You may also find the government guidance in the following link useful for structuring your child’s home learning.’
Enjoy the lovely weather.
Best wishes,
Nick Firkins
Headteacher
Please see the tab ‘Home Schooling’ on the Home Page of this website for updates and suggestions and web links to educational work that you can give your child/ren to do.